After lambasting the police provincial director as “numb and irresponsible”, the mayor-elect of Trinidad town Judith Cajes finally got her wish.

In a matter of two days after the comments of Cajes came out in almost all local media outlets, P/S Supt. Edgardo Ingking informed the new mayor that effective June 29 (Friday) nine (9) police officers were pulled out from the Trinidad police station and transferred to other units as requested.

These police men were subjects of Cajes’ allegations that they actively participated in the local elections supporting the then incumbent mayor Osias Flor who was seeking reelection but was trounced by Cajes.

Second district Rep. Roberto Cajes, husband of the new Trinidad mayor, also rebuked Inking’s delayed response saying the continued stay of said policemen can threaten witnesses while administrative and criminal cases are readied for filing.

Death threats continue and considering that these policemen are publicly known to be die hard supporters of outgoing mayor Flor, the grave danger is present, the Cajes camp added.

Mayor-elect Cajes, together with vice mayor-elect Frank Gonzalez, wrote the provincial police office on June 1 and 18, their concern about the policemen.

The two requested the immediate transfer of SPO3 Mario Balonga, SPO2 Edilberto Dagondon, SPO1 Cipriano Evardo, SPO1 Ranulfo Turan, PO3 Armando Balonga, PO3 Arsenio Agbo, PO2 Jennifer Cabando, PO1 Rene Avenido, PO1 Leonilo Aduna and PO1 Jackelyn Rosales.

Only four (4) were spared for retention at the Trinidad police station; SPO1 Danilo Torcende, PO3 Marcelo Balonga, PO2 Virgilio Otara and Marcos Lopez.

SPO1 Turan was however reconsidered for retention.

The mayor also wanted SPO3 Marcelito Autentico to be temporarily designated as acting chief of police (ACOP) for the Trinidad PNP station.

Ingking earlier said the request could not be acted upon immediately prior to concurrence of the concerned local chief executives (mayors) where these police officers are assigned.

Congressman Cajes who is a lawyer said the position of Ingking is not supported by Republic Act 8551 (as amended by RA 6975) which states that relief of police personnel ‘does not require concurrence of mayors.’

But Inking said it is not just a matter of law, but due courtesy and respect must be afforded to local chief executives whenever their police stations are affected by the transfer of police personnel.

“I have been fair in all my actions based on policies. But branding me as numb and irresponsible is uncalled for. That I cannot accept,” Ingking said.

-- <a href="http://www.theboholstandard.com>The Bohol Standard[/url] July 1, 2007

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